Yarra Ranges Council’s proposed Planning Scheme Amendment for the southern network of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination has been approved by Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny Overriding the Planning Scheme is a new trend in State Government handling of development. https://upperyarra.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2023-12-11/planning-scheme-amendment-for-wwarburton-mountain-bike-destination-approved/?fbclid=IwAR1JPOItHU3Dyb_eXlcNh9768EtTWeMJOjph0PsKS8LQep1dOsjQiMD1HD4

They have been announcing the beginning of construction ever since their first estimate of late 2018 start. They still need to prepare and submit the Emergency Management Plan, the Emergency Access Plan and the Traffic Management Plan before they can commence. No-one in their right mind would allow the development of 165+kms of trails on … Continue reading Warburton Mountain Bike Destination to commence construction in 2024? – Flow Mountain Biking – 5 December 2023

The adoption of the Warburton Urban Design Framework has been postponed till the 26th of March, 2024. The reason has been because of the backlash from the community which saw councillors receive over 100 emails in opposition to it. The Warburton Urban Design Framework plans to fill Warburton with car parks, demolish the Warburton tennis … Continue reading Warburton – One Giant Car Park for Tourists -Star Mail – 1 December 2023

Wesburn Pump Track is complete. Another $1,000,000 of our rates for mountain bikers. The pump track is predominantly and advanced rider, head to head racing track. It is right next to the children's playground with no fencing between. Not all mothers are thrilled. https://www.facebook.com/yrcouncil/videos/162869810244869/

Yarra Ranges asks for feedback on their housing strategy - the big silence is on whole house Airbnb type accommodation that is destroying our housing availability, both through rising prices of housing and rents and through lack of rental availability. Not to forget the loss of neighbours while streets turn into temporary tourist accommodation. https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/housing-strategy-2023?fbclid=IwAR1FAntirNQp7IGAYvRIM2VTAEg39Xn9IC55Xo_EiywqDWJ7_L6Wed8vdow

Prof. Richard W. Butler's work in 1980 started a discussion about tourism carrying capacity and sustainability. He saw that tourism attractions are fragile and need to be carefully managed so that they are not allowed to exceed their capacity limits. After all, who wants to stay at a resort that feels overcrowded and over-commercialised? As Butler points out, … Continue reading The Rise and Decline of Tourist Destinations – The Butler Model

"A ferocious blaze that destroyed a large golf clubhouse in Victoria's Yarra Valley was caused by charging lithium-ion batteries, firefighters have ruled." And yet e-bikes will be on the new 165kms of Mountain Bike Trails scheduled to be built on our most fireprone mountains. Another cause of lithium battery fires? Physical damage to the battery. Accidents … Continue reading Cause of ferocious blaze that destroyed Victorian golf clubhouse revealed – 9News – 17 October 2023

Three injured mountain bikers have been rescued after flying off their bikes on Derby trails this weekend. https://pulsehobart.com.au/news/three-mountain-bikers-injured-while-riding-derby-trails/?fbclid=IwAR1waxoJEJykKmTXI3vVi57UtDbDWl56z4qq3seIO0XKuqo_Hj40meic34M

Here is some really poor research:  "Although there were high proportions of ankle sprains in hikers and arm fractures in mountain bikers, with one study of the latter reporting more than half suffered head injuries, highlighting the importance of a good quality helmet." Almost half suffered head injuries? HALF?!! And that highlights the importance of … Continue reading Mountain biking benefits outweighs risks? – Curtin University – 31 August 2023